Fasteners having improved comfort

ABSTRACT

A fastening member has inboard and outboard ends, a panel region, an end region, and a stiffening element. The panel region is disposed adjacent to the inboard end and has first and second layers. The first and second layers are joined in a face-to-face orientation. The end region is disposed adjacent to the outboard end and has a fastening element zone and an intermediate zone. The intermediate zone is disposed between the fastening element zone and the panel region adjacent an interface between the panel and end regions. The stiffening element is disposed in the end region and has a stiffness of greater than about 200 N/m. A portion of the stiffening element is disposed between the first layer and the second layer and is joined to the first layer and the second layer. The portion is disposed adjacent to the interface between the panel region and the end region.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/973,787, filed on Dec. 18, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/946,121, filed on Nov. 15, 2010, now U.S.Pat. No. 9,241,847, granted on Jan. 26, 2016, which is a divisional ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/638,748, filed on Dec. 14, 2006, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,870,652, granted on Jan. 18, 2011, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/752,838, filed onDec. 22, 2005, the entire disclosures of each are hereby incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to fastening members. Particularly, thepresent invention relates to fastening members having surface fasteningelements and having a portion which has increased resistance to bucklingunder applied load.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Refastenable mechanical fastening systems can be used in a wide numberof applications. For example, such refastenable fastening systems can beused to connect one portion of a disposable absorbent article to anotherportion of the disposable absorbent article.

In general, mechanical fastening systems may comprise a fastening memberhaving a receiving/female component and/or a fastening member having anengaging/male component. In some mechanical fastening systems, theengaging member comprises a plurality of hook elements, and thereceiving component comprises a plurality of loop elements. In afastened state, the hook elements are typically entangled with the loopelements such that a connection between the engaging and receivingcomponents is formed.

During fastening, a tension can be applied to the fastening member. Theapplied tension can induce compressive forces in the fastening memberwhich can cause a portion of the fastening member to contract (neck).Additionally, the compressive forces can often act on the engagingcomponent and cause the engaging component to buckle.

Unfortunately, when buckled, the hook elements of the engaging componentcan be out of alignment, e.g. not in the same plane. This misalignmentof hook elements can cause less than 100% of the hook elements to engagewith the receiving component thereby reducing the performance of thefastening system.

Typically, a stiffener can be added to the fastening member to provideadded resistance to buckling. However, if the stiffener is notadequately secured, edges of the stiffener can become exposed when theportion of the fastening member necks. The exposed edges can, in somecases cause irritation to skin of a wearer.

Consequently, a need exists for a fastening member which can provideincreased resistance to buckling and reduce the likelihood of exposededges of a stiffening material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A fastening member constructed in accordance with the present inventioncan provide improved fastening system performance. In some embodiments,a fastening member has an inboard end and an outboard end. The fasteningmember further comprises a panel region, an end region, and a stiffeningelement. The panel region is disposed adjacent to the inboard end andcomprises a first layer and a second layer joined to the first layer ina face-to-face orientation.

The end region is disposed adjacent to the outboard end, and the endregion comprises a fastening element zone and an intermediate zone. Theintermediate zone is disposed between the fastening element zone and thepanel region adjacent an interface between the panel region and the endregion.

The stiffening element disposed in the end region and has a stiffness ofgreater than about 200 N/m. The stiffening element is disposed betweenthe first layer and the second layer and is joined to the first layerand the second layer proximate to the interface between the panel regionand the end region.

In other embodiments, the fastening member may further comprise anelastomeric element disposed between the first layer and the secondlayer such that the elastomeric element is sandwiched between the firstlayer and the second layer. Additionally, the fastening element zone canhave a first stiffness and the intermediate zone can have a secondstiffness, wherein the first stiffness is greater than the firststiffness. The fastening member may further comprise a fastening elementdisposed in the end region which defines the fastening element zone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a plan view showing a fastening member constructed inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a plan view showing additional features of the fasteningmember of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a cross sectional view showing the fastening member of FIG.1A as seen through line 2A-2A.

FIGS. 2B-2C are cross sectional views showing other embodiments of thefastening member of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view showing another embodiment of thefastening member of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4A is a plan view showing a disposable diaper comprising fasteningmembers constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a plan view showing another embodiment for the fasteningmembers of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 5 is an elevation view showing an apparatus for testing thestiffness of materials.

FIG. 6A is a front elevation view showing a plunger for use with theapparatus of FIG. 5.

FIG. 6B is a side elevation view showing a plunger for use with theapparatus of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing Peak load and slope calculation areas onbending curve.

FIG. 8 is an elevation view showing the measurement of exposed edges ofa stiffening element in a fastening member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

As used herein, the terms “absorbent article” and “article” refer to awearable device that absorbs and/or contains liquid and, morespecifically, refers to a device that is placed against or in proximityto the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the various exudatesdischarged from the body. Suitable examples include diapers, trainingpants, refastenable pants, pull-on garments, adult incontinence productsand feminine care products such as sanitary napkins. Furthermore, theterms “absorbent article” and “article” include a “disposable absorbentarticle” which is intended to be discarded and not laundered orotherwise restored after no more than ten uses, preferably after no morethan five uses, and most preferably after a single use (although certaincomponents may be recycled, reused, or composted).

“Body-facing” and “garment-facing” refer respectively to the relativelocation of an element or a surface of an element or group of elements.“Body-facing” implies the element or surface is nearer to the wearerduring wear than some other element or surface. “Garment-facing” impliesthe element or surface is more remote from the wearer during wear thansome other element or surface (i.e., element or surface is proximate tothe wearer's garments that may be worn over the disposable absorbentarticle).

As used herein, the term “diaper” refers to an absorbent articlegenerally worn by infants and incontinent persons about the lower torsoso as to encircle the waist and legs of the wearer and that isspecifically adapted to receive and contain urinary and fecal waste. Asused herein, term “diaper” also includes “pants” which is defined below.

As used herein “elastically extensible” refers to characteristics ofextensible materials that have the ability to return to approximatelytheir original dimensions after a force that extended the extensiblematerial is removed.

The terms “exterior surface” and “interior surface” as used herein referto relative locations on a portion of a fastening member as shown. Theterms “exterior surface” and “interior surface” are not necessarilyindicative of locations with respect to the fastening member after thefastening member has been joined to an article.

As used herein the term “joined” encompasses configurations whereby anelement is directly secured to another element by affixing the elementdirectly to the other element, and configurations whereby an element isindirectly secured to another element by affixing the element to anintermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element.

The term “longitudinal” is used herein to refer to a direction which isgenerally parallel to the longest edge of an element except whereotherwise noted. In the context of disposable absorbent articles, a“longitudinal” direction “runs substantially perpendicular from a waistedge to an opposing waist edge of the article and generally parallel tothe maximum linear dimension of the article. Directions within ±45degrees of the longitudinal direction are considered to be“longitudinal”.

The term “lateral” refers to a direction running generally perpendicularto and in the same plane as the “longitudinal” direction. In the contextof disposable absorbent articles, a “lateral” direction runs from onelongitudinal edge of the article to an opposing longitudinal edge of thearticle. Directions within ±45° of the lateral direction are consideredto be “lateral”.

The terms “machine direction” or “MD” refer to a direction which isgenerally parallel to the forward direction of a material, member,element, item, etc. through a process. For example, nonwovens aretypically formed with a machine direction that corresponds to the longor rolled direction of fabrication. The machine direction can also bethe primary direction of fiber orientation in the nonwoven.

The terms “cross direction” or “CD” refer to a direction which isgenerally perpendicular to and in the same plane as the machinedirection.

The terms “pant”, “training pant”, “closed diaper”, “pre-fasteneddiaper”, and “pull-on diaper”, as used herein, refer to disposablegarments having a waist opening and leg openings designed for infant oradult wearers. A pant can be configured such that the pant has a closedwaist and leg openings prior to being donned on the wearer, or the pantcan be configured such that the waist is closed and the leg openingsformed while on the wearer. A pant may be preformed by any suitabletechnique including, but not limited to, joining together portions ofthe article using refastenable and/or non-refastenable bonds (e.g.,seam, weld, adhesive, cohesive bond, fastener, etc.). A pant may bepreformed anywhere along the circumference of the article (e.g., sidefastened, front waist fastened, rear waist fastened). Examples ofsuitable pants are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,433; U.S. Pat. No.5,569,234; U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,487; U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,489; U.S. Pat.No. 4,940,464; U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,861; U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,545; U.S.Pat. No. 5,957,908; and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0233082 A1.

DESCRIPTION

The fastening member of the present invention may provide improvedfastening capability. The fastening member of the present invention maybe incorporated into a variety of consumer and commercial goods that maybenefit from having a fastening member constructed in accordance withthe present invention. In any of the embodiments described herein, thefastening member may be a separate element added to the commercial good.For example, the fastening member may be a discrete structure joined toany component (e.g., a topsheet, an absorbent core, a backsheet, afastening system, a cuff, etc.) of an absorbent article or othercommercial good (e.g., a wrap, a medical product, etc.). Alternatively,the fastening member may be constructed as part or all of any element ofthe commercial good or fastener. For example, the fastening member maybe constructed as part or all of any component (e.g., a topsheet, anabsorbent core, a backsheet, a fastening system, a cuff, etc.) of anabsorbent article or other commercial good (e.g., a wrap, a medicalproduct, etc.). Further, the fastening member may be disposed in anysuitable location on or in the commercial good or fastener. For example,the fastening member may be disposed on a garment-facing surface of,body-facing surface of, or contained within the commercial good orfastener.

As shown in FIG. 1A, a fastening member 100 constructed in accordancewith the present invention may comprise an inboard end 102 and anoutboard end 104. The fastening member 100 may further comprise a panelregion 110, an end region 120, and a stiffening element 230 (shown inFIG. 2A). The panel region 110 and the end region 120 are separated byan interface 1700 which comprises a distal end 110B of the panel region110. The panel region 110 can be disposed adjacent to the inboard end102 of the fastening member 100. The panel region 110 may furthercomprise a proximal edge 110A and the distal edge 110B. As shown, theproximal edge 110A can be disposed adjacent to the inboard end 102.

In some embodiments, the panel region 110 can be elastically extensible.In some embodiments, the panel region 110 may be extensible but notelastically extensible. For example, the panel region 110 may lack theability to return to approximately its original dimensions after a forcethat extended the panel region is removed.

The panel region 110 can be more extensible than the end region 120. Forexample, in some embodiments, the panel region 110 can extend to greaterthan or equal to about 100% at an applied load of about 0.5 N/cm. Insome embodiments, the panel region 110 can extend to greater than orequal to about 100% at an applied load of about 1.5 N/cm. In someembodiments, the panel region 110 can extend to greater than or equal toabout 100% at an applied load of about 4.0 N/cm. In some embodiments,the panel region 110 can extend to greater than or equal to about 150%at an applied load of about 0.5 N/cm. In some embodiments, the panelregion 110 can extend to greater than or equal to about 150% at anapplied load of about 1.5 N/cm. In some embodiments, the panel region110 can extend to greater than or equal to about 150% at an applied loadof about 4.0 N/cm.

In contrast, the end region 120 can extend to less than about 100% at anapplied load of about 4.0 N/cm, in some embodiments. In someembodiments, the end region 120 can extend to less than about 50% at theapplied load mentioned above. In some embodiments, the end region 120can extend to less than about 15% at the applied load mentioned above.

The end region 120 can be disposed adjacent to the outboard end 104 ofthe fastening member 100. The end region 120 may comprise a fasteningelement zone 114 and an intermediate zone 112. The intermediate zone 112can be disposed between the fastening element zone 114 and the panelregion 110. As shown, in some embodiments, the intermediate zone 112 canbe disposed adjacent to the interface 1700 between the panel region 110and the end region 120.

In some embodiments, the end region 120 may further comprise a grip zone118 which is disposed between the fastening element zone 114 and theoutboard end 104. The grip zone 118 can aid a user in handling thefastening member 100. For example, where the fastening member 100 isattached to a disposable diaper, the grip zone 118 can aid the user ingrasping the fastening member 100 such that the overall process offastening is facilitated. The grip zone 118 can be an extension of theend region 120 or can be a discrete component attached to the end region120.

The fastening element zone 114 can be defined by a perimeter of thefastening element 116 which is disposed in the end region 120. Thefastening element zone 114 includes all layers which are subjacentand/or superjacent to the fastening element 116. The fastening element116 can be joined to the end region 120 by any suitable means. Exemplarymeans for joining the fastening element 116 to the end region arediscussed hereafter with regard to FIGS. 2A-2C.

The fastening element zone 114 can have a first stiffness which can begreater than about 1000 N/m, in some embodiments. In some embodimentsthe first stiffness can be greater than about 1500 N/m. In someembodiments, the first stiffness can be greater than about 2500 N/m. Insome embodiments, the first stiffness can be in a range from betweenabout 1000 N/m to about 7000 N/m or any individual number within therange. In some embodiments, the first stiffness can be in a range fromabout 1500 N/m to about 6000 N/m. In other embodiments, the firststiffness can be in a range from about 2500 N/m to about 5000 N/m.

The stiffness of the fastening element zone 114 can provide a morestable fastening member 100 in the fastening element zone 114. Forexample, under an applied fastening load, typically a tension load,conventional fastening members can contract and fastening elements canbuckle. However, because the fastening member 100, constructed inaccordance with the present invention, comprises a fastening elementzone 114 which can have a greater stiffness than a correspondingfastening element zone in a conventional fastening member, the fasteningelement zone 114 can be more resistant to buckling when the fasteningload is applied to the fastening member 100. Because the fasteningelement zone 114 may be more resistant to buckling, the fasteningelement 116 may also be more resistant to buckling. Because of thefastening element's increased resistance to buckling, it is believedthat more of the fastening element 116 can engage its target surfaceduring fastening.

A portion of the intermediate zone 112 can have a second stiffness whichcan be less than the first stiffness. For example, in some embodiments,the second stiffness can be less than about 1000 N/m. In someembodiments, the second stiffness can be greater than about 200 N/m. Insome embodiments, the second stiffness can be greater than about 300N/m. In some embodiments, the second stiffness can be greater than about400 N/m. In some embodiments, the second stiffness can be in a rangefrom about 200 N/m to about 1000 N/m or any individual number within therange. In some embodiments, the second stiffness can be in a range fromabout 300 N/m to about 750 N/m. In some embodiments, the secondstiffness can be in a range from about 400 N/m to about 600 N/m.

The portion of the intermediate zone 112 having the second stiffness canbe disposed adjacent to the interface 1700. Additionally, in someembodiments, the portion of the intermediate zone 112 having the secondstiffness can be disposed inward (toward the inboard end 102) from aninner edge 302 of the fastening element 116. For example, in someembodiments, the portion can be disposed inward (toward the inboard end102) at least about 10% of an intermediate zone width 133 (shown in FIG.1B) from the inner edge 302 of the fastening element 116. In someembodiments, the portion can be disposed inward (toward the inboard end102) at least about 25% of the intermediate zone width 133 (shown inFIG. 1B) from the inner edge 302 of the fastening element 116. In someembodiments, the portion can be disposed inward (toward the inboard end102) at least about 50% of the intermediate zone width 133 (shown inFIG. 1B) from the inner edge 302 of the fastening element 116. In someembodiments, the portion can be disposed inward (toward the inboard end102) at least about 75% of the intermediate zone width 133 (shown inFIG. 1B) from the inner edge 302 of the fastening element 116. In someembodiments, the portion can be disposed inward (toward the inboard end102) at least about 95% of the intermediate zone width 133 (shown inFIG. 1B) from the inner edge 302 of the fastening element 116.

The intermediate zone 112 is not limited to having only a portion withthe second stiffness. In some embodiments, the entire intermediate zone112 may comprise the second stiffness. However, in other embodiments,the intermediate zone 112 may comprise a stiffness gradient. Forexample, a first portion of the intermediate zone 112 proximate to thefastening element zone 114 may comprise a stiffness which is equal tothe first stiffness, e.g. greater than about 1000 N/m. In contrast, asecond portion of the intermediate zone 112 proximate to the interface1700 between the panel region 110 and end region 120 may comprise astiffness which is equal to the second stiffness, e.g. less than about1000 N/m. A third portion of the intermediate zone 112, disposed betweenthe first portion and the second portion can have a stiffness which isbetween the first stiffness and the second stiffness. As anotherexample, the stiffness of the intermediate zone 112 may varycontinuously from the inner edge 302 to the second portion of theintermediate zone 112 proximate to the interface 1700. In theseembodiments, the stiffness may increase and/or decrease.

The reduced stiffness in the portion of the intermediate zone 112 canprovide improved comfort for the wearer. In some embodiments, thefastening member 100 can be attached to a disposable absorbent articlesuch that the intermediate zone 112 is positioned in a high movementarea of a wearer. In these instances, an increased stiffness, e.g.greater than about 1000 N/m, can cause redmarking on the wearer becausethe intermediate zone of the fastening member would be more resistant tobuckling. In contrast, a portion of the intermediate zone 112 of thepresent invention has decreased stiffness, e.g. less than about 1000N/m, thereby allowing the portion of the intermediate zone 112 to morereadily buckle instead of poking the skin of the wearer.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the panel region 110 may have a thirdstiffness. The third stiffness can be less than about 250 N/m, in someembodiments. In other embodiments, the third stiffness can be less thanabout 150 N/m. In other embodiments, the third stiffness can be lessthan about 100 N/m. In some embodiments, the third stiffness can be lessthan the second stiffness. In some embodiments, the third stiffness canbe equal to the second stiffness.

One advantage of having a reduced stiffness in the panel region 110 ascompared to the fastening element zone 114 is that the reduced stiffnessin the panel region 110 can reduce costs for manufacturing the panelregion. Typically, increased costs can be incurred as a result ofincreasing the amount of stiffness in a fastening member. By limitingthe added stiffness to specific portions of the fastening member of thepresent invention, increased performance and reduced costs may beachieved.

As mentioned above, the fastening members of the present invention canbe joined to a disposable absorbent article in an area which is subjectto much movement of the wearer, in some embodiments. For example,fastening members of the present invention can be joined to a disposablediaper as a side panel, in some embodiments. Because the side panels aretypically located in high movement areas of the disposable diaper,another advantage of having a reduced stiffness in the panel region 110,compared to the fastening element zone 114, is that the reducedstiffness panel region may conform to the wearer much easier than astiffer material would. Additionally, because the fastening member is ina high movement area of the disposable diaper, a stiffer panel regioncould potentially cause redmarking on the skin of the wearer.

The fastening member 100 may further comprise a stiffening element 230(shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and 3). The stiffening element 230 (shown in FIGS.2A-2C and 3) can be disposed in the end region 120. The intermediatezone 112 comprises a portion of the stiffening element 230 (shown inFIGS. 2A-2C and 3). In some embodiments, the fastening element zone 114comprises a portion of the stiffening element 230 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2Cand 3). In some embodiments, the stiffening element 230 (shown in FIGS.2A-2C and 3) may comprise the entire end region 120.

The stiffening element 230 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and 3) can achieve thedesired first stiffness in the fastening element zone 114 and/or canachieve the desired second stiffness in the intermediate zone 112. Insome embodiments, the stiffening element 230 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and3) can have a stiffness of less than about 1000 N/m. In someembodiments, the stiffening element 230 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and 3) canhave a stiffness of greater than about 200 N/m. In some embodiments, thestiffening element 230 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and 3) can have a stiffnessof greater than about 300 N/m. In some embodiments, the stiffeningelement 230 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and 3) can have a stiffness of greaterthan about 400 N/m. In some embodiments, the stiffening element 230(shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and 3) can have a stiffness in a range from about200 N/m to about 1000 N/m or any individual number within the range. Insome embodiments, the stiffening element 230 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and3) can have a stiffness in a range from about 300 N/m to about 750 N/m.In some embodiments, the stiffening element 230 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2Cand 3) can have a stiffness in a range from about 400 N/m to about 600N/m.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the fastening member 100, adjacent the inboard end102, can have a fastening member length 122. The end region 120,adjacent to the interface 1700, can have an end region length 125, andthe fastening element 116 can have a fastening element length 126. Thefastening member length 122 is the maximum linear distance between aleading edge 1010 and a trailing edge 1012. The end region length 125 isthe maximum linear distance between the leading edge 1010 and thetrailing edge 1012 adjacent to the interface 1700. The fastening elementlength 126 is the maximum linear distance between a first end edge 1015and a second end edge 1016 of the fastening element 116. The maximumlinear distances mentioned above are generally parallel to a firstdirection 490.

In some embodiments, the fastening member length 122 can be equal to theend region length 125, and the fastening element length 126 can be equalto the end region length 125. In some embodiments, the fastening elementlength 126 can be less than the end region length 125 which is less thanthe fastening member length 122. For example, the fastening elementlength 126 can be less than or equal to about 90% of the end regionlength 125. As another example, the fastening element length 126 can beless than or equal to about 80% of the end region length 125. As yetanother example, the fastening element length 126 can be less than orequal to about 50% of the end region length 125. As yet another example,the fastening element length 126 can be less than or equal to about 90%of the fastening member length 122. As yet another example, thefastening element length 126 can be less than or equal to about 80% ofthe fastening member length 122. As yet another example, the fasteningelement length 126 can be less than or equal to about 50% of thefastening member length 122.

As shown, the intermediate zone 112 may have an intermediate zone width133 and the fastening element 116 can have a fastening element width132. The intermediate zone width 133 is the maximum linear distancebetween an inwardmost point 250 (shown in FIG. 2A) of a stiffeningelement 230 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and 3) and the inner edge 302 of thefastening element 116. The fastening element width 132 is the maximumlinear distance between the inner edge 302 and the outer edge 304 of thefastening element 116. The maximum linear distances for the intermediatezone width 133 and the fastening element width 132, are generallyparallel to a second direction 491.

In some embodiments, the intermediate zone width 133 can be greater thanabout zero percent of the fastening element width 132. In someembodiments, the intermediate zone width 133 can be greater than about25% of the fastening element width 132. In some embodiments, theintermediate zone width 133 can be greater than about 50% of thefastening element width 132. In some embodiments, the intermediate zonewidth 133 can be greater than about 100% of the fastening element width132.

The first direction 490 can be generally parallel to a machinedirection, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the seconddirection 491 can be generally parallel to a cross machine direction. Insome embodiments, the second direction 491 can be generallyperpendicular to the first direction 490. In some embodiments, thesecond direction 491 can be generally parallel to a primary direction ofapplied tension force, e.g. the force applied to the fastening memberduring fastening.

As stated previously, the perimeter of the fastening element 116 definesthe fastening element zone 114. Consequently, the fastening elementwidth 132 is also the width of the fastening element zone 114.Similarly, the fastening element length 126 is also the length of thefastening element zone 114.

The panel region 110 and the end region 120 can be separated by theinterface 1700. In some embodiments, the interface 1700 can be defined,in part, by the inwardmost point 250 (shown in FIG. 2A) of thestiffening element 230 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and 3).

As stated previously, the fastening element zone 114 can have anincreased stiffness compared to the intermediate zone 112 and, in someembodiments, when compared to the stiffness of the panel region 110. Thestiffness of the fastening element zone 114 can be increased by anysuitable means. Examples of suitable means of increasing the stiffnessof the fastening element zone 114 are discussed with regard to FIGS.2A-2C

As shown in FIG. 2A-2C, in some embodiments, the panel region 110 maycomprise a laminated structure. For example, as shown, in someembodiments, the panel region 110 may comprise a first substrate 202 anda second substrate 204. The first substrate 202 and the second substrate204 can be joined together in a face-to-face orientation. The firstsubstrate 202 and the second substrate 204 can be joined together by afirst bonding agent 216 and/or a second bonding agent 217.

The end region 120 may also comprise a laminated structure. For example,the end region 120 may comprise the stiffening element 230 and thefastening element 116. Additionally, the end region 120 furthercomprises at least a portion of the first substrate 202 and/or thesecond substrate 204. The stiffening element 230 can be disposed betweenthe first substrate 202 and the second substrate 204.

The stiffening element 230 may comprise a first portion 260 and, in someembodiments, a second portion 265 (shown in FIG. 2B). The first portion260 can be disposed adjacent to the panel region 110 while the secondportion 265 can be disposed adjacent to the outboard end 104. The firstportion 260 may have a first portion width 280 which is the maximumlinear distance generally parallel to the second direction 491 betweenthe inwardmost point 250 of the stiffening element 230 and anoutwardmost point 251 of the second bonding agent 217 or an outwardmostpoint 252 of the first bonding agent 216 whichever is less. In someembodiments, the first portion width 280 may extend all the way out tothe outboard end 104 as shown in FIG. 2A. In the embodiments of thepresent invention, the first portion 260 can be secured between thefirst substrate 202 and the second substrate 204 by the first bondingagent 216, the second bonding agent 217, and/or any other suitablemeans.

As shown in FIG. 2A, in some embodiments, the fastening element 116 canbe joined to the second substrate 204 by a third bonding agent 218. Asshown, in FIGS. 2B and 2C, in some embodiments, the fastening element116 can be joined to the stiffening element 230 by the third bondingagent 218.

As shown in FIG. 2A, in some embodiments, the first substrate 202 and/orthe second substrate 204 may extend outward from the inboard end 102 tothe outboard end 104 such that the first substrate 202 and/or the secondsubstrate 204 comprise the entire end region 120. In some embodiments,where both the first substrate 202 and the second substrate 204 comprisethe entire end region 120, the first portion 260 may comprise the entirestiffening element 230.

In contrast, as shown in FIG. 2B, in some embodiments, the firstsubstrate 202 and/or the second substrate 204 can extend outward fromthe inboard end 102 such that the first substrate 202 and/or the secondsubstrate 204 comprise a portion of the end region 120 but not theentire end region 120. For example, as shown, the intermediate zone 112may comprise a portion of the first substrate 202 and/or the secondsubstrate 204 yet, the fastening element zone 114 may not comprise thefirst substrate 202 and/or second substrate 204. As another example, thefirst substrate 202 and/or the second substrate 204 may extend outwardfrom the inboard end 102 such that the intermediate zone 112 and thefastening element zone 114 each comprise a portion of the firstsubstrate 202 and/or the second substrate 204.

As shown, in some embodiments, the first bonding agent 216 and/or thesecond bonding agent 217 may extend from the inboard end 102 toward theoutboard end 104 overlapping a portion of the end region 120. In someembodiments, the first bonding agent 216 and/or the second bonding agent217 overlap at least the first portion 260 of the stiffening element 230such that the stiffening element 230 is joined to the first substrate202 and the second substrate 204.

As shown in FIG. 2C, in some embodiments, the first substrate 202 canextend from the inboard end 102 to the outboard end 104 such that thefirst substrate 202 comprises the entire end region 120. The firstbonding agent 216 can similarly extend from the inboard end 102 to theoutboard end 104 such that first bonding agent 216 comprises the entireend region 120. In contrast, as shown, in some embodiments, the secondbonding agent 217 can extend from the inboard end 102 into the endregion 120 such that the second bonding agent 217 overlaps a portion ofthe intermediate zone 112. Similarly, in some embodiments, the secondsubstrate 204 can be configured as described above with regard to FIG.2B.

The stiffening element 230 may be any suitable size. For example, thestiffening element 230 may overlap the entire end region 120. As anotherexample, the first portion 260 of the stiffening element 230 can bedisposed between the first substrate 202 and the second substrate 204and extend outward such that the stiffening element 230 comprises partof the fastening element zone 114. In some embodiments, the stiffeningelement 230 can extend inward from the outboard end 102 to the inboardend 102 such that the stiffening element 230 comprises the entire panelregion 110.

An advantage of the present invention is that the first portion 260 ofthe stiffening element 230 is disposed between and is joined to thefirst substrate 202 and to the second substrate 204. Because the firstportion 260 is joined to the first substrate 202 and to the secondsubstrate 204, edges of the first portion 260 are secured between thefirst substrate 202 and the second substrate 204. So, the edges of thestiffening element 230 are less likely to be exposed when the fasteningmember is under tension.

The first portion width 280 can be of any suitable size. For example, insome embodiments, the first portion width 280 can be greater than about2% of the intermediate zone width 133. In some embodiments, the firstportion width 280 can be between about 2% and 100% of the intermediatezone width 133 or any individual number within the range. In someembodiments, the first portion width 280 can be between about 10% and75% of the intermediate zone width 133. In some embodiments, the firstportion width 280 can be between about 25% and 50% of the intermediatezone width 133. In some embodiments, the first portion width 280 may begreater than or equal to the fastening element width 132 in addition tothe intermediate zone width 133. In some embodiments, the first portionwidth 280 can be equal to an end region width. In some embodiments, thefirst portion width 280 can be greater than about 1 mm and less than orequal to about 50 mm or any individual number within the range. In someembodiments, the first portion width 280 can be greater than or equal toabout 4 mm and less than or equal to about 35 mm. In some embodiments,the first portion width 280 can be greater than or equal to about 8 mmand less than or equal to about 25 mm.

In some embodiments, under a tension of between 1.5 N/cm and 4.0 N/cm,edges of the stiffness element 230 in the first portion 260 are exposedless than about 1 mm. In some embodiments, the edges of the stiffnesselement 230 have an exposed edge length measurement of less than about 2mm. As shown in FIG. 8, exposed edge length is the maximum distancegenerally parallel to the first direction 490 between a first edge 1018of the stiffening element 230 and the leading edge 1010. Alternatively,exposed edge length can be the maximum distance generally parallel tothe first direction 490 between a second edge 1017 of the stiffeningelement 230 and the trailing edge 1012. The test method for measuringexposed edge length is hereafter. In some embodiments, the edges of thestiffness element 230 in the first portion 260 are exposed less thanabout 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, the edges of the stiffness element230 have an exposed edge length of less than about 0 mm.

In some embodiments, a ratio of the amount of exposed edges of thestiffness element 230 to the end region length 125 defines an exposureratio and can be between about 0% to about 10% or any individual numberwithin the range. In some embodiments, the exposure ratio can be lessthan or equal to about 5%. In some embodiments, the exposure ratio canbe less than or equal to about 3%. In some embodiments, the exposureratio can be less than or equal to about 2%. In some embodiments, theexposure ratio can be less than or equal to about 1%.

In some embodiments, a exposure ratio of the amount of exposed edges ofthe stiffness element 230 to the fastening element length 126 can bebetween about 0% to about 10% or any individual number within the range.In some embodiments, the exposure ratio can be less than or equal toabout 5%. In some embodiments, the exposure ratio can be less than orequal to about 3%. In some embodiments, the exposure ratio can be lessthan or equal to about 2%. In some embodiments, the exposure ratio canbe less than or equal to about 1%.

As stated previously, the panel region can be elastically extensible insome embodiments. In embodiments where the panel region is elasticallyextensible, a fastening member constructed in accordance with thepresent invention may comprise an elastomeric element. An example ofsuch an embodiment is discussed with regard to FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, the panel region 110 may comprise, in addition tothe first substrate 202 and the second substrate 204, an elastomericelement 240. The elastomeric element 240 can be sandwiched between thefirst substrate 202 and the second substrate 204. Although not shown,the elastomeric element 240 can be joined to the first substrate 202and/or the second substrate 204 by the first bonding agent 216, thesecond bonding agent 217, and/or any other suitable means.

As shown, in some embodiments, the stiffening material 230 can bedisposed between the elastomeric element 240 and the first substrate202. In other embodiments, the stiffening element 230 can be disposedbetween the elastomeric element 240 and the second substrate 204.Additionally, despite the fact that FIG. 3 shows the first substrate 202and/or the second substrate 204 comprising the entire end region 120,the first substrate 202 and/or the second substrate 204 can beconfigured as discussed previously with regard to FIGS. 2A-2C. Inembodiments where the stiffening element 230 overlaps a portion of theelastomeric element 240, a bonding agent can be disposed between thestiffening element 230 and the elastomeric element 240.

Additionally, as shown, in some embodiments, the elastomeric element 240can extend from the inboard end 102 to the end region 120 such that onlya portion of the end region 120, e.g. the intermediate zone 112,comprises a portion of the elastomeric element 240. In otherembodiments, the elastomeric element 240 can extend from the inboard end102 to the outboard end 104 such that the elastomeric element 240comprises the entire end region 120. In other embodiments, theelastomeric element 240 can extend from the inboard end 102 to the endregion 120 such that the intermediate zone 112 and the fastening elementzone 114 each comprise a portion of the elastomeric element 240.

The fastening members of the present invention may comprise a widevariety of materials. For example, the first substrate 202 and/or thesecond substrate 204 may comprise a woven, nonwoven, film, a laminate,the like, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the firstsubstrate 202 and/or the second substrate 204 may be extensible and/orelastically extensible. Where the first substrate 202 and/or the secondsubstrate 204 comprise a nonwoven, any suitable nonwoven can be used. Insome embodiments, the nonwoven may comprise one layer of fibers. Inother embodiments, the nonwoven may comprise more than one layer offibers. Any suitable nonwoven can be used. For example, a suitablenonwoven may comprise fibers made of polypropylene, polyethylene,polyester, nylon, cellulose, polyamide, or combinations of suchmaterials. Fibers of one material or fibers of different materials ormaterial combinations may be used in the first and/or second nonwoven.Exemplary nonwoven materials include spunbond, spunbond meltblownspunbond (SMS), spunbond meltblown meltblown spunbond (SMMS), carded,meltblown, and the like. Particularly acceptable nonwovens include highelongation carded (HEC) nonwovens and deep activation polypropylene(DAPP) nonwovens. Any process known in the art may be used to make thenonwovens.

The nonwoven may comprise fibers that are bonded mechanically, includingfibers that are needle punched or hydro entangled. Other suitablebonding processes for producing a suitable nonwoven for use in thepresent invention are spun bonding, thermally bonding, bonding byvarious types of chemical bonding such as latex bonding, powder bonding,and the like.

In certain embodiments, the basis weight of the nonwoven can be in therange of about 10 gsm to about 100 gsm or any individual number withinthe range. In other embodiments, the basis weight of the nonwoven can bein a range of about 40 gsm to about 80 gsm. In yet other embodiments,the basis weight of the nonwoven can be in a range of about 50 gsm toabout 60 gsm. The basis weights of the substrates of the presentinvention can be any suitable basis weight.

The fibers may be of any suitable size and shape. In some embodiments,the fiber may have a denier ranging from about 1 to about 10 or anyindividual number within the range. In some embodiments, the denier ofthe fibers can range from about 1 to about 8. In other embodiments, thedenier of the fibers can range from about 1 to about 5.

The elastomeric element 340 may comprise any suitable elastic known inthe art. Suitable elastomeric elements may comprise a wide variety ofmaterials as are well known in the art. Some examples includeelastomeric films, polyurethane films, elastomeric foams, formed elasticscrim and synthetic elastomers (e.g., Lycra™). A suitable elastomericelement 240 for use in conjunction with the present invention maycomprise elastic strands and/or elastic films. Any suitable elastic filmknown in the art can be used. Suitable elastic films may comprisepolypropylene, polyethylene, polyolefins, styrene-isoprene-styrene,styrene-butadiene-styrene, or combinations thereof. The basis weight ofthe films can range from about 10 gsm to about 100 gsm.

Alternatively, or in conjunction with the elastic film, the elastomericelement 340 may further comprise elastic strands. Suitable elasticstrands can be made of a resilient elastic thermoplastic material. Theelastic strands may be made from liquid elastic that is extruded througha die to achieve the desired strand elastic diameter and/or shape. Theshape of the extruded elastic strands is not limited. For example,typical elastic strands have a circular cross sectional shape, butsometimes the elastic strands may have different shapes, such as atrilobal shape, or a flat (i.e., “ribbon” like) shape. Suitable elasticstrand shapes include rectangles, circles, ellipses, diamonds,triangles, parallelograms, trapezoids, wedges, or other sections ofcircles or ellipses, other polygons, or other irregular enclosed shapes.Furthermore, the thickness or diameter of the elastic strands may varyin order to accommodate a particular application. Typically, thethickness of elastic strands may be in the range of about 0.02 mm toabout 1 mm and the basis weight is in the range of about 20 g/m2 toabout 300 g/m2. The elastic strands may be applied separately to thesubstrate, can be extruded onto the substrate, or can be printed ontothe substrate.

Suitable apparatuses and methods for printing elastomeric elements inany orientation are described in U.S. Application Publication No.2004/0181200; U.S. Application Publication No. 2004/0193133; and WO2005/110731 A3. For the printing of elastic strands, the individualelastic strands may be configured as lines or strands generally havingwidths less than about 2 mm and typically less than about 1 mm. Linearelastic strands may be configured as bands generally having widthsbetween about 2 mm and about 20 mm and aspect ratios ranging from about2:1 to about 100:1. Typically, the thickness of an elastic strand may bein the range of about 0.02 mm to about 5 mm and the basis weight is inthe range of about 20 g/m² to about 300 g/m².

The first bonding agent 216, the second bonding agent 217, and/or thethird bonding agent 218, may comprise any suitable bonding agent knownin the art. For example, in some embodiments, at least one of thebonding agents may comprise an adhesive. Any suitable adhesive can beused in the present invention. For example, the adhesive may comprisestyrene-olefin-styrene triblock copolymers such asstyrene-isoprene-styrene, styrene-butadiene-styrene, the like, orcombinations thereof.

An example of a suitable bonding agent for joining the fastening element116 to the stiffening element 230 and/or the second substrate 204 is anadhesive made from Bostik located in Wauwatosa, Wis., having a modelnumber H2988-F02. In some embodiments, the fastening element 116 can bejoined to the stiffening element 230 and/or the second substrate 204 viathe bonding agent plus mechanical bonds, fusion bonds, the like, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the fastening element 116 canbe joined to the stiffening element 230 and/or the second substrate 204via mechanical bonds, fusion bonds, or the like, or any suitablecombination thereof.

In some embodiments, at least one of the bonding agents may comprise apolymer. Any suitable polymer known in the art can be utilized. Someexamples of suitable polymers include a high modulus hot melt polymer,or may include a molten polymer. Any suitable molten polymer can beused. Some examples of molten polymers include polyethylene,polypropylene, the like, or any suitable combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the basis weight of the first bonding agent 216,the second bonding agent 217, and/or the third bonding agent 218 in thefastening element zone 114 can be greater than or equal to about 30 gsm.In other embodiments, the first bonding agent 216, the second bondingagent 217, and/or the third bonding agent 218 in the fastening elementzone 114 can have a basis weight of greater than or equal to about 60gsm. In some embodiments, first bonding agent 216, the second bondingagent 217, and/or the third bonding agent 218 in the fastening elementzone 114 can have a basis weight of greater than or equal to about 100gsm.

The stiffening material 230 can be any suitable stiffening materialknown in the art. Some examples of suitable stiffening materials 230include webs of any type, e.g. woven, nonwoven, laminates, natural orsynthetic materials including polypropylene, polyethylene, poly(ethyleneterephthalate), nylon, paper, cellulose, styrene-isoprene-styrene,styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers, the like, or any suitablecombination thereof. Some examples of suitable laminates includebilaminates of film and nonwoven such as M18-750 or M18-1018manufactured by Clopay Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio. An example of asuitable nonwoven is Typar SBPP3301Y manufactured by BBA Fiberweb™,located in Brentwood, Tenn.

The fastening members of the present invention, as discussed previously,can be utilized in a number of consumer goods. For example, thefastening members of the present invention can be joined to a disposablediaper. An example of such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 4A.

As shown in FIG. 4A, in some embodiments, fastening members 100A and100B constructed in accordance with the present invention can be joinedto a disposable diaper 500. The fastening members 100A and 100B can beconfigured similarly to the fastening members discussed heretofore.

The fastening members 100A and 100B can be joined to the disposablediaper 500 adjacent to their respective inboard ends 102A and 102B. Asshown in FIG. 4A, the disposable diaper 500 may comprise a liquidpervious topsheet 522 and a backsheet 524 joined to at least a portionof the topsheet 522. The disposable absorbent article 500 furthercomprises an absorbent core 546 positioned between the topsheet 522 andthe backsheet 524. The disposable diaper 500 may further compriseelastic leg features 532, a first waist member 502 and a second waistmember 504.

A portion of the periphery of the disposable diaper 500 can be definedby the longitudinal edges 575A and 575B; a first waist edge 550, and thesecond waist edge 551. The longitudinal edges 575A and 575B can rungenerally parallel to a longitudinal centerline 590 of the disposableabsorbent article 500. The first waist edge 550 and the second waistedge 551 can run generally parallel to a lateral centerline 580 of thedisposable diaper 500.

The first waist member 502 and/or the second waist member 504 can beelastically extensible. As shown, in some embodiments, the first waistmember 502 can be disposed adjacent the first waist edge 550. In someembodiments, the second waist member 504 can be disposed adjacent to thesecond waist edge 551. Generally, the first waist member 502 and/or thesecond waist member 504 can be under tension prior to being joined tothe disposable diaper 500. So, upon release of at least a portion of thetension applied to the first waist member 502 and/or the second waistmember 504, a portion of the disposable diaper 500 joined thereto cancorrugate. This corrugation of the disposable diaper 500 can allow thefirst waist member 502 and/or the second waist member 504 and thedisposable diaper 500 to expand and contract about the waist of awearer, thereby providing more comfort and improved fit to a wearer.Examples of suitable waist members 502 and/or 504 include thosedescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,515,595; U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092; and U.S.Pat. No. 5,221,274. Although disposable diapers are generallyconstructed so as to have two elastic waist features, one positioned ina first waist region and one positioned in a second waist region,diapers can be constructed with a single elastic waist feature.

The disposable diaper 500 may further comprise outer cuffs and innercuffs to improve containment of liquids and other body exudates. Eachelasticized outer cuff may include several different embodiments forreducing the leakage of body exudates in the leg regions. Outer cuffsand inner cuffs are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003; U.S.Pat. No. 4,909,803; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,695,278.

As stated previously, the disposable diaper 500 may further comprise thefastening members 100A and 100B. The fastening members 100A and 100B canbe joined to the disposable diaper 500 such that a portion of the panelregion 410A and a portion of the panel region 410B can extend outwardfrom the first longitudinal edge 575A and the second longitudinal edge575B of the disposable diaper 500, respectively. In some embodiments,the fastening members 100A and 100B can be joined to the disposablediaper 500 in a second waist region 538, and in some embodiments, thefastening members 100A and 100B can be joined to the disposable diaper500 in a first waist region 536.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the disposable diaper 500 maycomprise fastening members in the second waist region 538 and fasteningmembers disposed in the first waist region 536. In these embodiments, atleast one of the fastening members in the first waist region and/or thefastening members in the second waist region comprise complimentaryfastening elements. For example, the fastening members in the secondwaist region may include fastening elements which comprise engagingcomponents while the fastening members in the first waist region mayinclude fastening elements which comprise receiving components. Anysuitable combination of complementary fastening elements can be used.

In some embodiments, the disposable diaper 500 may comprise fasteningmembers having a plurality of fastening members as shown in FIG. 4B. Asshown, in some embodiments, fastening members 1200A and 1200B maycomprise a plurality of fastening elements. For example, fasteningmember 1200A can include an engaging component 1242 having a pluralityof engaging elements. The engaging component 1242 can be disposed on afirst surface 1202A of the fastening member 1200A. The fastening member1200A may further comprise a receiving component 1275 which can bedisposed on a second surface 1204A of the fastening member 1200A, insome embodiments. The second surface 1204A can be opposite to the firstsurface 1202A.

Similarly, the second fastening member 1200B may comprise an engagingcomponent 1243 disposed on a first surface 1202B and an engagingcomponent 1273 disposed on a second surface 1204B, in some embodiments.One advantage of this arrangement is that the engaging components 1242and 1243 can engage a receiving component disposed on the disposablediaper 500 (shown in FIG. 4A) or can join to the receiving components1275 and 1273 on the other fastening member. For example, in someembodiments the engaging component 1242 can join the receiving component1273 when fastened. In other embodiments, the engaging component 1243can join the receiving component 1275 when fastened.

Referring to FIG. 4A, in some embodiments, the fastening members 100Aand 100B can form a portion of the leg openings when the disposablediaper 500 is fastened. The fastening members 100A and 100B can form aportion of the leg openings which would be disposed on an outer surfaceof a leg of a wearer. A crotch region 510 of the disposable diaper 500in conjunction with the first waist region 536 and the second waistregion 538 can form a portion of the leg openings which would bedisposed on an inner surface of the leg of the wearer.

In some embodiments, the fastening members 100A and 100B can be joinedto an outer-facing surface of the backsheet 524. In some embodiments,the fastening members 100A and 100B can be joined to a wearer-facingsurface of the topsheet 522. In some embodiments, the fastening members100A and 100B can be joined to the disposable diaper 500 between thetopsheet 522 and the backsheet 524. The fastening members 100A and 100Bcan be joined to the disposable diaper 500 in any suitable configurationor location.

The disposable diaper 500 further comprises a fastening system 540 whichjoins at least a portion of a first waist region 536 with at least aportion of a second waist region 538, preferably to form leg and waistopenings. The fastening system 540 also works with the waist members(s)502 and/or 504 to maintain lateral tension in order to keep thedisposable absorbent article 500 in place about the waist of the wearer.The fastening system 540 may comprise fastening elements 416A and 416Bwhich, in some embodiments, can be disposed on the fastening members100A and 100B. The fastening system 540 may further comprise a receivingcomponent which, in some embodiments, is disposed in the first waistregion 536 of the disposable diaper 500. The fastening element 416A and416B can be configured to engage the receiving component thereby joiningthe first waist region 536 and the second waist region 538 of thedisposable diaper 500.

Any suitable fastening elements known in the art can be used in thepresent invention. Examples of suitable fastening elements includeengaging components, receiving components, adhesive components, cohesivecomponents, the like, or any suitable combination thereof.

An example of a suitable engaging component may comprise hook fasteningmaterial. The hook fastening material can mechanically engage fibrouselements of a receiving element so as to provide a secure closure. Ahook fastening material according to the present invention may bemanufactured from a wide range of materials. Examples of suitablematerials include nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or any combination ofthese materials, or other materials as are known in the art.

A suitable hook fastening material comprises a number of shaped engagingelements projecting from a backing such as the commercially availablematerial designated Scotchmate™ brand No. FJ3402 available fromMinnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, St. Paul, Minn.Alternatively, the engaging elements may have any shape such as hooks,“T's”, mushrooms, or any other shape as are well known in the art. Anexemplary hook fastening material is described in U.S. Pat. No.4,846,815. Another suitable hook fastening material comprises an arrayof prongs formed of thermoplastic material. Hot melt adhesivethermoplastics, in particular polyester and polyamide hot meltadhesives, are particularly well suited for forming the prongs of thehook fastening material. The prongs, in some embodiments, can bemanufactured using a modified gravure printing process by printing thethermoplastic material in its molten state onto a substrate in discreteunits, severing the material in a manner that allows stretching of aportion of the thermoplastic material prior to severance, and allowingthe stretched molten material to “freeze” resulting in prongs. This hookfastening material and methods and apparatus for making such a hookfastening material are more fully detailed in European PatentApplication 0 381 087. In some embodiments, the hooks can bethermoplastically printed. Examples of suitable hook printing processesare described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,673 and in WO 2004/082918.

An example of a suitable receiving component may comprise a plurality ofloops. Loop fastening material and a method for making the same aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,380,313; U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,233; U.S. Pat.No. 5,407,439; U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,942; U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,900; U.S.Pat. No. 5,318,555; U.S. Application Publication No. 2003/0077430; andWO 04/030763.

An example of a suitable adhesive component may comprise discrete tapetabs. An example of a suitable tape tab is available from the 3MCorporation of St. Paul, Minn., U.S.A. under the designation ofXMF99121.

An example of a suitable cohesive component may comprise cohesivefastening patches. In some embodiments, the cohesive fastening patchesmay be formed of an inherently crystalline water-based syntheticelastomer to which a tackifying agent has been added to disrupt thepolycrystalline structure and thereby render the elastomer cohesive.Exemplary synthetic cohesive products are available from Andover CoatedProducts, Incorporated, of Salisbury, Mass., U.S.A. and are described inU.S. Pat. No. 6,156,424.

Disposable diapers may comprise many components, elements, members, etc.and can be constructed in a variety of manners. For example, thetopsheet and the backsheet can have length and width dimensionsgenerally larger than those of the absorbent core. The topsheet and thebacksheet can extend beyond the edges of the absorbent core, therebyforming the periphery of the disposable absorbent article. The topsheet,the backsheet, and the absorbent core may include many differentmaterials and may be assembled in a variety of well knownconfigurations, exemplary diaper materials and configurations aredescribed generally in U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003; U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092;and U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,274.

Any topsheet compatible with the present invention which is known in theart can be used in the present invention. A suitable material for atopsheet may be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such asporous foams, reticulated foams, apertured plastic films, or woven ornonwoven materials of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers),synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers), or acombination of natural and synthetic fibers. As an example, a materialsuitable for use in a topsheet comprises a web of staple-lengthpolypropylene fibers is manufactured by Veratec, Inc., a Division ofInternational Paper Company, of Walpole, Mass. under the designationP-8.

Some examples of suitable topsheets are described further in U.S. Pat.No. 3,929,135; U.S. Pat. No. 4,324,246; U.S. Pat. No. 4,342,314; U.S.Pat. No. 4,463,045; U.S. Pat. No. 5,006,394; U.S. Pat. No. 4,609,518;U.S. Pat. No. 4,629,643. Any portion of the topsheet may be coated witha lotion as is known in the art. Examples of suitable lotions includethose described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,760; U.S. Pat. No. 5,609,587;U.S. Pat. No. 5,635,191; U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,588; U.S. Pat. No.5,968,025; U.S. Pat. No. 6,716,441; and PCT Publication No. WO 95/24173.

Further, the topsheet may be fully or partially elastically extensibleor may be foreshortened so as to provide a void space between thetopsheet and the absorbent core. Exemplary structures includingelasticized or foreshortened topsheets are described in more detail inU.S. Pat. No. 4,892,536; U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,147; U.S. Pat. No.5,037,416; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,775.

A suitable backsheet for use in the disposable absorbent article of thepresent invention may comprise a laminated structure. For example, thebacksheet may comprise a first backsheet layer and a second backsheetlayer. The second backsheet layer can be impervious to liquids (e.g.,urine) and comprise a thin plastic film such as a thermoplastic filmhaving a thickness, for example, of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mils) to about0.051 mm (2.0 mils). Suitable backsheet films include those manufacturedby Tredegar Corporation, based in Richmond, Va., and sold under thetrade name CPC2 film. Either the first backsheet layer and/or the secondbacksheet layer may include breathable materials which permit vapors toescape from the pull-on garment while still preventing exudates frompassing through the backsheet. Suitable breathable materials may includematerials such as woven webs, nonwoven webs, composite materials such asfilm-coated nonwoven webs, microporous films such as manufactured byMitsui Toatsu Co., of Japan under the designation ESPOIR NO and byTredegar Corporation of Richmond, Va. and sold under the designationEXAIRE, and monolithic films such as manufactured by Clopay Corporation,Cincinnati, Ohio under the name HYTREL blend P18-3097. Some breathablecomposite materials are described in greater detail in PCT ApplicationNo. WO 95/16746; U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,648; U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,823; andU.S. Pat. No. 5,571,096.

The backsheet, or any portion thereof, may be elastically extensible inone or more directions. In one embodiment, the backsheet may comprise astructural elastic-like film (“SELF”) web. A structural elastic-likefilm web is an extensible material that exhibits an elastic-likebehavior in the direction of elongation without the use of added elasticmaterials and is described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,801. Inalternate embodiments, the backsheet may comprise elastic films, foams,strands, or combinations of these or other suitable materials withnonwovens or synthetic films.

A suitable absorbent core for use in the present invention may compriseany absorbent material which is generally compressible, conformable,non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing andretaining liquids such as urine and other certain body exudates. Inaddition, the configuration and construction of the absorbent core mayalso be varied (e.g., the absorbent core(s) or other absorbentstructure(s) may have varying caliper zones, hydrophilic gradient(s), asuperabsorbent gradient(s), or lower average density and lower averagebasis weight acquisition zones; or may comprise one or more layers orstructures). Suitable exemplary absorbent structures for use as theabsorbent core are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,678; U.S. Pat. No.4,673,402; U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,735; U.S. Pat. No. 4,888,231; U.S. Pat.No. 5,137,537; U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,345; U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,338; U.S.Pat. No. 5,260,345; U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,207; and U.S. Pat. No.5,625,222.

The backsheet may be joined to the topsheet, the absorbent core, or anyother element of the disposable absorbent article by any attachmentmeans known in the art. For example, the attachment means may include auniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, oran array of separate lines, spirals, or spots of adhesive. Some suitableattachment means are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,986; U.S. Pat. No.3,911,173; U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,996; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,842,666.Examples of suitable adhesives are manufactured by H. B. Fuller Companyof St. Paul, Minn. and marketed as HL-1620 and HL-1358-XZP.Alternatively, the attachment means may comprise heat bonds, pressurebonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamic mechanical bonds, or any other suitableattachment means or combinations of these attachment means as are knownin the art.

Various sublayers may be disposed between the topsheet and thebacksheet. The sublayer may be any material or structure capable ofaccepting, storing or immobilizing bodily exudates. Thus, the sublayermay include a single material or a number of materials operativelyassociated with each other. Further, the sublayer may be integral withanother element of the pull-on disposable absorbent article or may beone or more separate elements joined directly or indirectly with one ormore elements of the disposable absorbent article. Further, the sublayermay include a structure that is separate from the absorbent core or mayinclude or be part of at least a portion of the absorbent core.

Suitable exemplary materials for use as the sublayer may include largecell open foams, macro-porous compression resistant nonwoven highlofts,large size particulate forms of open and closed cell foams (macro and/ormicroporous), highloft nonwovens, polyolefin, polystyrene, polyurethanefoams or particles, structures comprising a multiplicity of verticallyoriented looped strands of fibers, absorbent core structures describedabove having punched holes or depressions, and the like. (As usedherein, the term “microporous” refers to materials which are capable oftransporting fluids by capillary action. The term “macroporous” refersto materials having pores too large to effect capillary transport offluid, generally having pores greater than about 0.5 mm in diameter and,more specifically, having pores greater than about 1.0 mm in diameter.)One embodiment of a sublayer includes a mechanical fastening looplanding element, having an uncompressed thickness of about 1.5millimeters available as XPL-7124 from the 3M Corporation ofMinneapolis, Minn. Another embodiment includes a 6 denier, crimped andresin-bonded nonwoven highloft having a basis weight of 110 grams persquare meter and an uncompressed thickness of 7.9 millimeters which isavailable from the Glit Company of Wrens, Ga. Other suitable absorbentand nonabsorbent sublayers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,680,422 andU.S. Pat. No. 5,941,864. Further, the sublayer, or any portion thereof,may include or be coated with a lotion or other known substances to add,enhance or change the performance or other characteristics of theelement.

Embodiments of the present invention may also include pockets forreceiving and containing waste, spacers which provide voids for waste,barriers for limiting the movement of waste in the article, compartmentsor voids which accept and contain waste materials deposited in thepull-on disposable absorbent article, and the like, or any combinationsthereof. Examples of pockets and spacers for use in absorbent productsare described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,121; U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,236; U.S.Pat. No. 5,397,318; U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,671; U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,584;U.S. Pat. No. 5,306,266; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,997,520. Examples ofcompartments or voids in an absorbent article are disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 4,968,312; U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,147; U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,840; andU.S. Pat. No. 5,269,755. Examples of suitable transverse barriers aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,142; PCT Patent WO 94/14395; and U.S.Pat. No. 5,653,703. Examples of other structures suitable for managementof low viscosity feces are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,864; U.S.Pat. No. 5,977,430; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,013,063.

Embodiments of the present invention may includeacquisition/distribution layers which can be configured to distributemoisture from a wetness event to moisture responsive members within thedisposable absorbent article. Examples of suitableacquisition/distribution layers are described in U.S. Pat. No.5,460,622, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0027267, andU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/009173.

Embodiments of the present invention may include a dusting layer whichis well known in the art. Examples of suitable dusting layers arediscussed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,888,231.

Test Methods:

Extensibility

Force at elongation is measured on a constant rate of extension tensiletester with computer interface (a suitable instrument is the MTSAlliance using Testworks 4.0 Software, as available from MTS SystemsCorp., Eden Prairie, Minn.) using a load cell for which the forcesmeasured are within 10% to 90% of the limit of the cell. Both themovable (upper) and stationary (lower) pneumatic jaws are fitted withdiamond faced grips, wider than the width of the test specimen.

Equilibrate samples in a conditioned room maintained at about 23±2° C.and about 50±2% relative humidity for at least two hours before testing.Herein width of the sample is defined as dimension 491 and length isdefined as dimension 490 according to FIG. 1B.

Choose two matching fastening members 100 and label them Specimen A andSpecimen B. On Specimen A, determine and mark the proximal edge of thestiffening element at 110B. Determine and mark the proximal edge of thestretch region 110C. For example, marks can be placed 1 mm apart alongthe width of the stretch region where the 110C boundary is suspected tobe. By hand, gently (<20 gf) pull 1 cm segments along that edge todetect the boundary where the marks remain at 1 mm and where they spreadapart. Measure the width of the stretch region 134 to the nearest 1 mm.Using a scalpel, cut a strip 2.54 mm long 490 from the center ofspecimen that extends its entire width 491. Trim the width 491 of thestrip leaving at least 5 mm extending from both ends 110B and 110C toclamp in the grip faces. On the matching Specimen B, once againdetermine and mark the proximal edge of the stiffening element at 110B.Measure the distance 133 from 110B to the proximal edge of the fasteningelement 302 to the nearest 1 mm. Using a scalpel, cut a strip 2.54 mmlong 490 from the center of specimen that extends its entire width 491.Trim the width 491 of the strip leaving at least 5 mm extending fromboth ends 302 and 110B to clamp in the grip faces.

Set the gauge length of the tensile tester to distance 134. Zero thecrosshead and load the cell. Insert Specimen A into the upper gripsaligning it along 110B and close the upper grips. Insert the specimeninto the lower grips aligning it along 110C and close. The specimenshould be aligned vertically without skew, and under enough tension toeliminate any slack, but less than 0.05N of force on the load cell.Start the tensile tester and data collection. The jaws are moved apartat a rate of 127 mm/min to the desired % elongation. Herein, %Elongation is defined as the extension divided by the gauge length,multiplied by 100. Reset the gauge length to distance 133 and runSpecimen B in like fashion aligning the specimen at 302 and 110B in thegrips.

The force at the desired % elongation is calculated by the software fromthe resulting force/elongation curves. Results are calculated as Forcein Newtons at the target elongation divided by the length (direction490) of the specimen in mm, and reported to the nearest 0.01 N/mm.

Stiffness

Stiffness is measured using a constant rate of extension tensile testerwith computer interface (a suitable instrument is a MTS Alliance underTestWorks 4 software, as available from MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie,Minn.) fitted with a 10 N load cell. A plunger blade 2100, shown in FIG.6A (front view) and FIG. 6B (side view), is used for the upper movabletest fixture. Base support platforms 2200, shown in FIG. 6, are used asthe lower stationary test fixture. All testing is performed in aconditioned room maintained at about 23° C.±2° C. and about 50%±2%relative humidity. Herein, width of the sample is defined as dimension491 and length is defined as dimension 490 according to FIG. 1B.

Components of the plunger 2100 are made of a light weight material suchas aluminum to maximize the available load cell capacity. The shaft 2101is machined to fit the tensile tester and has a locking collar 2102 tostabilize the plunger and maintain alignment orthogonal to base supportplatforms 2204. The blade 2103, is 115 mm long 2108 by 65 mm high 2107by 3.25 mm wide 2109, and has a material contact edge with a continuousradius of 1.625 mm. The bracket 2104 is fitted with set screws 2105 thatare used to level the blade and a main set screw 2106 to firmly hold itin place after adjustment.

The bottom fixture 2200 is attached to the tensile tester with the shaft2201 and locking collar 2202. Two movable support platforms 2204 aremounted on a rail 2203. Each test surface 2205 is 85 mm wide 2206 by 115mm long (into plane of drawing) and made of polished stainless steel soas to have a minimal coefficient of friction. Each platform has adigital position monitor 2208 which reads the individual platformpositions, and set screws 2207 to lock their position after adjustment.The two platforms 2204 are square at the gap edge and the plate edgesshould be parallel front to back. The two platforms form a gap 2209 withan adjustable gap width 2210.

Accurately (±0.02 mm) align the plunger blade 2103 so that it isorthogonal to the top surface of the support platforms 2204 and exhibitsno skew relative to their gap edges. Using the position monitors 2208,accurately set the gap 2210 to 8.00±0.02 mm between the two gap edges ofthe support platforms 2204, with the plunger blade 2103 accurately(±0.02 mm) centered in the gap. Program the tensile tester for acompression test. Set the gauge length from the bottom of the plungerblade 2103 to the top surface of the support platform 2204 to 15 mm. Setthe crosshead to lower at 500 mm/min for a distance of 25 mm. Set thedata acquisition rate to 200 Hz.

Precondition samples at about 23° C.±2° C. and about 50%±2% relativehumidity for 2 hours prior to testing. Die cut a test specimen 13 mm inwidth (direction 491) by 25.4 mm in length (direction 490). If theelement is not 13 mm in width, use the full width of the element.Examine the specimen for any exposed adhesive and deactivate by applyingbaby powder where necessary. Place the specimen flat onto the surface ofthe support platform 2204 over the gap 2209 with the fastening elementfacing upward. If the particular specimen does not contain a fasteningelement, orient the specimen such that the fastening element side isfacing up. Center the specimen across the gap, its length (direction490, indicated on FIG. 5) should be parallel to the gap and its width(direction 491) should be perpendicular to the gap. Zero the load cell;start the tensile tester and the data acquisition.

Program the software to calculate the maximum peak force (N) andstiffness (N/m) from the constructed force (N) verses extension (m)curve. Stiffness is calculated as the slope of the force/extension curvefor the linear region of the curve (see FIG. 7), using a minimum linesegment of at least 25% of the total peak force to calculate the slope.If the width of the element is not 13 mm, normalize the actual width to13 mm as follows:Stiffness_((actual length))=[Stiffness_((13 mm))/13 mm]×actual width(mm)Peak Force_((actual length))=[Peak Force_((13 mm))/13 mm]×actual width(mm)Report peak force to the nearest 0.1 N and the stiffness to the nearest0.1 N/m.Measurement of Exposure of Stiffening Elements

The exposed edges of the stiffening element are measured under a tensionof 1.5 N/cm and 4.0 N/cm. The fastening member 100 (see FIG. 8) iscarefully removed from the article either by cutting or using a freezingspray (such as Cytofreeze) to peel the intact member from the article. Atotal of five fastening members are tested and results are reported asan average of the replicates. All samples are preconditioned at about23° C.±2° C. and about 50%±2% relative humidity for 24 hours prior totesting. Herein, width of the sample is defined as dimension 491 andlength is defined as dimension 490 according to FIG. 8.

The test stand consists of a laboratory ring stand with an attachedhorizontal cross bar, two mechanical clamps, 1051 and 1061 to grip thesample, and hanging weights 1063 to apply the specified forces.Specifically the clamps are at least 5 mm wider than the length 122 ofthe fastening member and exert sufficient grip strength so that thesample does not slip in either clamp under the applied force. The upperclamp is mounted onto the cross bar and oriented such that the samplecan be hung vertically without obstruction. The lower clamp allows thehanging of weights from the sample to provide the specified forces.

For the initial measurements under no tension, place the sample 100 on aflat surface with the fasteners 116 facing upward. Using a digitalcaliper, measure the length of the fastening member along its inner edge302 and record to the nearest 0.1 mm as F1. Also measure the end regionlength 125 (FIG. 1B) at the interface 1700 and record to the nearest 0.1mm as E1.

Measure the mass of the lower clamp and record to the nearest 0.01 g asC1. Calculate the mass of the hanging weights for each tension asfollows:W1 (g)=[0.15 N/mm×F1 (mm)×101.97 g/N]−C1 (g)W2 (g)=[0.40 N/mm×F1 (mm)×101.97 g/N]−W1 (g)

Secure the first 10 mm of the inboard edge 102 of the specimen into theupper clamp. Secure the first 10 mm of the outboard end 104 of thespecimen into the lower clamp. Allow the sample to hang vertically underthe weight of the lower clamp. Add weight W1 to the lower clamp andwithin 30 seconds of application measure any exposed corners at each endof the stiffness member as follows (see FIG. 8):

Using a digital caliper, measure the linear distance parallel to 490,between where the first edge 1018 of the stiffness element and theleading edge 1010 of the panel region meet along the interface line1700. Record this result to the nearest 0.1 mm as the exposed upper edgelength U1. Next, measure the linear distance parallel to 490, betweenwhere the second edge 1017 of the stiffness element and the trailingedge 1012 of the panel region meet along the interface line 1700. Recordthis result to the nearest 0.1 mm as the exposed lower edge length L1.

With the sample still in place, add weight W2 to the lower clamp andwithin 30 seconds of application of the additional weight measure anyexposed corners at each end of the stiffness member as described above.Record U2 as the upper exposed edge and L2 as the lower exposed edge,respectively.

Calculate the following Exposure Ratios (all lengths below in mm):R1=U1/F1×100R2=U2/F1×100R3=L1/F1×100R4=L2/F1×100R5=U1/E1×100R6=U2/E1×100R7=L1/E1×100R8=L2/E1×100

Measure five replicate fastening elements and report all Exposure Ratiosas the average of the five replicates to the nearest 0.1%.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect toany invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests ordiscloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An absorbent article comprising: a longitudinalaxis; a lateral axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; a firstwaist edge on a first side of the lateral axis; a second waist edge on asecond side of the lateral axis; a first longitudinal edge on a firstside of the longitudinal axis; a second longitudinal edge on a secondside of the longitudinal axis; a topsheet; a backsheet; an absorbentcore positioned at least partially intermediate the topsheet and thebacksheet; a first waist region on the first side of the lateral axis; asecond waist region on the second side of the lateral axis; a firstdiscrete fastening member joined to the absorbent article, the firstdiscrete fastening member comprising: a first surface; a second surface;a first engaging component forming a portion of the first surface; afirst receiving component forming a portion of the second surface;wherein the first engaging component overlaps at least a portion of thefirst receiving component in a z-direction; and a first portion that isextensible; and a second discrete fastening member joined to theabsorbent article, the second discrete fastening member comprising: afirst surface of the second discrete fastening member; a second surfaceof the second discrete fastening member; a second engaging componentforming a portion of the first surface of the second discrete fasteningmember; a second receiving component forming a portion of the secondsurface of the second discrete fastening member; wherein the secondengaging component overlaps at least a portion of the second receivingcomponent in the z-direction; and a second portion that is extensible;wherein the first engaging component of the first discrete fasteningmember is configured to engage the second receiving component of thesecond discrete fastening member when the absorbent article ispositioned on a wearer in a first configuration.
 2. The absorbentarticle of claim 1, wherein the second engaging component of the seconddiscrete fastening member is configured to engage the first receivingcomponent of the first discrete fastening member when the absorbentarticle is positioned on the wearer in a second, differentconfiguration.
 3. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the firstengaging component is smaller than the first receiving component,wherein the second engaging component is smaller than the secondreceiving component, and wherein the first receiving component comprisesa nonwoven material.
 4. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein thefirst engaging component has a first width generally parallel with thelateral axis, wherein the second engaging component has a second widthgenerally parallel with the lateral axis, and wherein the first widthand the second width are substantially the same.
 5. The absorbentarticle of claim 1, wherein the first receiving component has a firstwidth generally parallel with the lateral axis, wherein the secondreceiving component has a second width generally parallel with thelateral axis, wherein the first width and the second width aresubstantially the same, and wherein the second receiving componentcomprises a nonwoven material.
 6. The absorbent article of claim 1,wherein the first receiving component has a first width generallyparallel with the lateral axis, wherein the first engaging component hasa second width generally parallel with the lateral axis, and wherein thefirst width is larger than the second width.
 7. The absorbent article ofclaim 1, wherein the second engaging component has a first width takenparallel with the lateral axis, wherein the second receiving componenthas a second width taken parallel with the lateral axis, and wherein thefirst width is smaller than the second width.
 8. An absorbent articlecomprising: a longitudinal axis; a lateral axis perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis; a first waist edge on a first side of the lateralaxis; a second waist edge on a second side of the lateral axis; a firstlongitudinal edge on a first side of the longitudinal axis; a secondlongitudinal edge on a second side of the longitudinal axis; a topsheet;a backsheet; an absorbent core positioned at least partiallyintermediate the topsheet and the backsheet; a first waist region on thefirst side of the lateral axis; a second waist region on the second sideof the lateral axis; a first discrete fastening member joined to theabsorbent article, the first discrete fastening member comprising: afirst surface; a second surface; a first engaging component forming aportion of the first surface; and a first receiving component forming aportion of the second surface; wherein the first engaging componentoverlaps at least a portion of the first receiving component in az-direction; and a second discrete fastening member joined to theabsorbent article, the second discrete fastening member comprising: afirst surface of the second discrete fastening member; a second surfaceof the second discrete fastening member; a second engaging componentforming a portion of the first surface of the second discrete fasteningmember; and a second receiving component forming a portion of the secondsurface of the second discrete fastening member; wherein the secondengaging component overlaps at least a portion of the second receivingcomponent in the z-direction; wherein any one of: the first engagingcomponent of the first discrete fastening member is configured to engagethe second receiving component of the second discrete fastening memberwhen the absorbent article is positioned on a wearer and the secondengaging component of the second discrete fastening member is configuredto engage the first receiving component of the first discrete fasteningmember when the absorbent article is positioned on the wearer.
 9. Theabsorbent article of claim 8, wherein the first discrete fasteningmember comprises a nonwoven material, and wherein the second discretefastening member comprises a nonwoven material.
 10. The absorbentarticle of claim 8, wherein the absorbent core comprises an absorbentmaterial comprising a superabsorbent material.
 11. The absorbent articleof claim 8, wherein the first discrete fastening member comprises afirst area on the first surface that is free of the first engagingcomponent, and wherein the second discrete fastening member comprises asecond area on the first surface that is free of the second engagingcomponent.
 12. The absorbent article of claim 8, wherein the firstdiscrete fastening member comprises a first portion that is extensible,and wherein the second discrete fastening member comprises a secondportion that is extensible.
 13. The absorbent article of claim 8,wherein the first engaging component is smaller than the first receivingcomponent, and wherein the second engaging component is smaller than thesecond receiving component.
 14. The absorbent article of claim 8,wherein the first engaging component has a first width generallyparallel with the lateral axis, wherein the second engaging componenthas a second width generally parallel with the lateral axis, and whereinthe first width and the second width are substantially the same.
 15. Theabsorbent article of claim 8, wherein the first receiving component hasa first width generally parallel with the lateral axis, wherein thesecond receiving component has a second width generally parallel withthe lateral axis, and wherein the first width and the second width aresubstantially the same.
 16. The absorbent article of claim 8, whereinthe first receiving component has a first width generally parallel withthe lateral axis, wherein the first engaging component has a secondwidth generally parallel with the lateral axis, and wherein the firstwidth is larger than the second width.
 17. The absorbent article ofclaim 8, wherein the second engaging component has a first width takenparallel with the lateral axis, wherein the second receiving componenthas a second width taken parallel with the lateral axis, and wherein thefirst width is smaller than the second width.
 18. An absorbent articlecomprising: a longitudinal axis; a lateral axis perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis; a first waist edge on a first side of the lateralaxis; a second waist edge on a second side of the lateral axis; a firstlongitudinal edge on a first side of the longitudinal axis; a secondlongitudinal edge on a second side of the longitudinal axis; a first legelastic feature proximate to a portion of the first longitudinal edge; asecond leg elastic feature proximate to a portion of the secondlongitudinal edge; a topsheet; a backsheet; an absorbent core positionedat least partially intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet; a firstwaist region on the first side of the lateral axis; a second waistregion on the second side of the lateral axis; a first fastening membercomprising: a first surface; a second surface; a first engagingcomponent forming a portion of the first surface; and a first receivingcomponent forming a portion of the second surface; wherein the firstengaging component overlaps at least a portion of the first receivingcomponent in a z-direction; and a second fastening member comprising: afirst surface of the second fastening member; a second surface of thesecond fastening member; a second engaging component forming a portionof the first surface of the second fastening member; and a secondreceiving component forming a portion of the second surface of thesecond fastening member; wherein the second engaging component overlapsat least a portion of the second receiving component in the z-direction;wherein the first engaging component of the first fastening memberengages with the second receiving component of the second fasteningmember when the absorbent article is positioned on a wearer in a firstconfiguration; and wherein the second engaging component of the secondfastening member engages with the first receiving component of the firstfastening member when the absorbent article is positioned on the wearerin a second, different configuration.
 19. The absorbent article of claim18, comprising an extensible waist member, wherein the first fasteningmember comprises a first area on the first surface that is free of thefirst engaging component, and wherein the second fastening membercomprises a second area on a first surface that is free of the secondengaging component.
 20. The absorbent article of claim 18, wherein thefirst receiving component has a first width generally parallel with thelateral axis, wherein the first engaging component has a second widthgenerally parallel with the lateral axis, and wherein the first width islarger than the second width.
 21. An absorbent article comprising: alongitudinal axis; a lateral axis perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis; a first waist edge on a first side of the lateral axis; a secondwaist edge on a second side of the lateral axis; a first longitudinaledge on a first side of the longitudinal axis; a second longitudinaledge on a second side of the longitudinal axis; a topsheet; a backsheet;an absorbent core positioned at least partially intermediate thetopsheet and the backsheet; a first waist region on the first side ofthe lateral axis; a second waist region on the second side of thelateral axis; a first fastening member comprising: a first surface; asecond surface; a first engaging component forming a portion of thefirst surface; and a first receiving component forming a portion of thesecond surface; wherein the first engaging component overlaps at least aportion of the first receiving component in a z-direction; and a secondfastening member comprising: a first surface of the second fasteningmember; a second surface of the second fastening member; a secondengaging component forming a portion of the first surface of the secondfastening member; and a second receiving component forming a portion ofthe second surface of the second fastening member; wherein the secondengaging component overlaps at least a portion of the second receivingcomponent in the z-direction; wherein any one of: the first engagingcomponent of the first fastening member at least partially overlaps withand engages the second receiving component of the second fasteningmember when the absorbent article is positioned on a wearer; and thesecond engaging component of the second fastening member at leastpartially overlaps and engages the first receiving component of thefirst fastening member when the absorbent article is positioned on thewearer.
 22. The absorbent article of claim 21, comprising an extensiblewaist member, wherein the first engaging component is smaller than thefirst receiving component, and wherein the second engaging component issmaller than the second receiving component.